I really feel for you. I have only had to take prednisone a few times but I can certainly relate to how hard it is to lose weight and take it. I doubt if I could do it.

It sounds like your doctor is on top of it. I prefer the younger doctors, like yours, who are more willing to consider alternative treatments. I'm sure some don't because it's money out of their pocket. LOL. My current M.D. is much more willing to consider different approaches but he does have his limits.

I knew you weren't selling anything. I figured you were just very relieved to find something that works because many people don't realize how challenging it is to lose weight when you are on prednisone. It's my responsibility as a nurse to let people know exactly what you said - that you should consult with a physician before trying any alternative treatment. Even taking too much tylenol and motrin can be dangerous.

I'm fortunate enough that I don't have to take prednisone long enough to have the long term side effects. You can always tell people who have to. My mother did and had all the complications.. My son has had to take it more than me because he was a preemie and his lungs were not completely developed when I went into labor. It is a wonderful drug but it use has some bad side effects.

-American consumers have no problem with carcinogens, but they will not purchase any product, including floor wax, that has fat in it. - Dave Barry -My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four; unless there are three other people. - Orson Welles -The food here is terrible, and the portions are too small. - Woody Allen

Emphasema sucks! I take 40 mg of prednisone every day. If i dont my lungs will set up like concrete. Its very hard on various organs and really a hazard when it comes to weight gain...I swear I could sit at the table and eat 24/7 when they up the dosage! I'm happy to hear you're no longer taking it! Dr. Oz isnt my personal physican.. (and I really dont believe everything he says.) My physican is a young guy, comparatively, and he gave me the go ahead to try the Garcinia Cambrogia because there werent any "real bad" side affects..He does monitor me atleast 1-2x a month.. I was having a hard time losing anything at all.. and had already incorporated low carb diet and exercise into my life style..I'm not depending on any "miracle pill" because we all know it take lots of hard work to lose weight and keep it off.. I'm just saying I am using it and it works for me. That being said, no 2 people in the world are the same chemically. What works for one may not work for another..side affects vary from person to person if there are any... I'm not selling anything. I just posted my own experience on a blog.

I have emphysema and recently had to take prednisone too and am glad it was only short term. I hate taking it.

Some of the older less informed doctors here are still against low carb diets but the younger set seems to be embracing it more readily and also are more agreeable to alternative medicine. My last 2 doctors, both of whom are near my age, are okay with low carb diets. The first one is the one who put me on it for hypoglycemia.

I did some research on different supplements when Dr, Oz started "recommending" them but most of the info is from sites selling these products and most reputable sites didn't know all that much about them or the reviews were mixed. His show seems to say that he is providing info and not actually recommending things like raspberry ketones, etc. One better site I checked said that Garcinia cambogia was possibly safe if used for only 12 weeks. and that long term safety is unknown. Not recommended for pregnant females or those breast feeding . Side effects are headaches, gut pains, and nausea. I'm interested in what the gold standards think about things, like the Mayo Clinic, Harvard University, and Cleveland Clinic and only a few had commented on it like this guy below from Harvard.

Some people really don't trust Dr. Oz. I have many of his and Roisens books and like both of them but reserve judgement. This article in a newspaper kind of explains why.

-American consumers have no problem with carcinogens, but they will not purchase any product, including floor wax, that has fat in it. - Dave Barry -My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four; unless there are three other people. - Orson Welles -The food here is terrible, and the portions are too small. - Woody Allen

I have several health problems...some are weight related..most are related to my taking large doses of prednisone to control my COPD..which is actually the reason for the weight gain in the first place (vicious circle)...I got the all clear. But everyone needs to clear new supplements with their doctor. Actually my dr had more problems with me doin the carb diet. But we agreed I could give it a try and his only advice was for me track measurements instead of actual weight numbers. Which worked great for me cause I dont own a scale..lol

I did an indepth study on the Garcinia Cambrogia prior to taking it too. The fruits have been used for centuries by chefs to flavor culinary dishes.. The people of Southeast Asia and Polynesia have been eating it for years. Personally no bad side affects for me.. only good.

Be careful taking over the counter supplements. I like Dr. Oz but he is certainly recommending a lot of supplements lately and you have to be careful taking too many. They can have some profound effects. Be sure that your doctor knows what you are taking. I'm a nurse and got into trouble taking supplements. I had clearance from my doctor but we didn't take into account some of my prior medical conditions. I ended up with severe hematuria and my clotting time was poor. It took weeks to get over it. I'm lucky I didn't have to take vitamin k shots again.

Edited by: MORTICIAADDAMS at: 3/18/2013 (17:22)

-American consumers have no problem with carcinogens, but they will not purchase any product, including floor wax, that has fat in it. - Dave Barry -My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four; unless there are three other people. - Orson Welles -The food here is terrible, and the portions are too small. - Woody Allen

My mother in law sent me a link from a Dr Oz show.. it was about Garcinia Cambrogia. It has really helped me get a jump start. I have more energy and one of the properties is it reduces stress levels naturally by increasing your seratonin levels. I am a "stress eater" and this really has made a difference for me. I bought mine at GNC, a local vitamin supplement store, because i dont trust the ones online..lol Honestly, it has helped me greatly. Hopefully, it will help you too. I had never heard of it and if it werent for my Mother in law, I never would have.

-American consumers have no problem with carcinogens, but they will not purchase any product, including floor wax, that has fat in it. - Dave Barry -My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four; unless there are three other people. - Orson Welles -The food here is terrible, and the portions are too small. - Woody Allen

I have been really stressed lately too and it's hard to stay on plan when you are chiefly trying to stay sane. LOL.

-American consumers have no problem with carcinogens, but they will not purchase any product, including floor wax, that has fat in it. - Dave Barry -My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four; unless there are three other people. - Orson Welles -The food here is terrible, and the portions are too small. - Woody Allen

This has been a challenge: learning Spark, but my biggest stress is that I am experiencing some emotional cry knots in my throat...it is making eating a bit difficult. Maybe its the food but I believe it is stress or anxiety building up. In the positive note..I am doing real good in portion control...lol...(I need to find the humor in all this)...but reading what you guys are going through let's me know I am normal, just like the team.

Your dog is really cute. I can see how it could be a great joy to you.

-American consumers have no problem with carcinogens, but they will not purchase any product, including floor wax, that has fat in it. - Dave Barry -My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four; unless there are three other people. - Orson Welles -The food here is terrible, and the portions are too small. - Woody Allen

I had STRESS most of my adult life, and combined with my biploar manic depressive disorder, it was life challenging. What I have is no cure, but currently I am on proper meds. that are helping me . Some things I love, is my husband, my pets who are my kids(I could not have children), I enjoy listening and dancing to music, and I love to sing. I sing my heart out and loud and it helps me to relieve stress. My pets, the sweetest little things bring joy to me.

Find something everyday that is special and claim it for you to help you get through your stressful time. It does help. Prayers also.

I walk my stress off, do yoga, listen to music, get a massage from my hubby, Meditate, take a hot bath.

-American consumers have no problem with carcinogens, but they will not purchase any product, including floor wax, that has fat in it. - Dave Barry -My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four; unless there are three other people. - Orson Welles -The food here is terrible, and the portions are too small. - Woody Allen

Welcome to the team! Not even a question, you are under tremendous stress when placed into the middle of the sandwich.

I am a stress eater. In addition to exercise, I use religion, reading and knitting to keep the stress under control. Wondering how other members reduce stress? Carol

“You can often change your circumstances by changing your attitude.” Eleanor Roosevelt "Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday." John Wayne "A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes." Mahatma Gandhi

I have multiple problems which combine to make things very challenging.

-American consumers have no problem with carcinogens, but they will not purchase any product, including floor wax, that has fat in it. - Dave Barry -My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four; unless there are three other people. - Orson Welles -The food here is terrible, and the portions are too small. - Woody Allen

I can totally relate. I have been there and it is tough. Spare time virtually disappears.

-American consumers have no problem with carcinogens, but they will not purchase any product, including floor wax, that has fat in it. - Dave Barry -My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four; unless there are three other people. - Orson Welles -The food here is terrible, and the portions are too small. - Woody Allen

Take a breath.... We're all pretty much in the same boat and that's why we're here.. It's good to vent. You're not alone. We are here to help each other...

Don't be so hard on yourself as you take steps toward living a healthier life. Focus on the positive changes you've made in your life, from new, healthier foods to a new way of thinking about exercise. You've committed yourself to living a longer, better life.Don't set unreasonable goals. Before long you’ll be enjoying an incredible new way of life and continuing forward with more confidence, more energy and a whole new outlook for the future.

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